Herbed Red Lentil & Zucchini Patties with Lemon-Dill Yogurt
A vibrant and budget-friendly vegetarian meal. These savory, pan-fried patties are packed with plant-based protein and vegetables, served with a refreshing, cool yogurt dip. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
1780 calories
$3 per serving
$50 min
4 servings
budget-friendly, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 200g red lentils, rinsed
- 1 large carrot (~150g), grated
- 1 medium zucchini (~200g), grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 30g fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 200g plain Greek yogurt
- 15g fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1.In a medium pot, combine the rinsed red lentils with 500ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and have absorbed the water. Drain any excess liquid and let them cool slightly.
- 2.While the lentils cook, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for firm patties.
- 3.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4.In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, grated carrot, squeezed zucchini, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, and flour. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until a thick, cohesive mixture forms.
- 5.Form the mixture into 8-10 patties, about 2cm thick. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly.
- 6.Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan (in batches if needed) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- 7.While the patties are cooking, prepare the dip. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- 8.Serve the warm lentil patties immediately with the cool lemon-dill yogurt dip on the side.
Nutrition Information
18g
fat
48g
carbs
14g
fiber
22g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is exceptionally healthy, centered on fiber-rich lentils and vitamin-packed vegetables. It provides high-quality plant-based protein for muscle maintenance and satiety, promoting a balanced and nutritious meal without processed ingredients.